Lhasa Travelers Recommend

The city of Lhasa has deep historical and religious roots, so travelers to this thriving city will find easy access to some of Tibet’s most prized palaces and impressive monasteries. It’s possible to tour some of the best in a single day, or spend a long weekend wandering the well-kept gardens and quiet temples that have made this city famous.

Potala Palace

Tucked into Lhasa’s iconic Red Hill, this sprawling structure is stationed some 12,000 feet above sea level, making it the highest palace in the world. In addition to a printing house, school, seminary and garden, travelers will find an iconic cave that dates back to the seventh century and ornate, colorful murals detailing religious events. And while the towering structures are well worth a visit, travelers say it’s the awe-inspiring views that make a voyage to Potala so memorable.

Drepung Monastery

In the 1930s, Drepung Monastery ranked among the largest monasteries in the world. And while the number of monks who live and study here has decreased, it’s still a place of learning for those looking to follow the faith. Travelers can see practicing monks on a visit to Drepung and also check out the vast courtyards and dense forest that make this destination a perfect place to experience peaceful reflection. 

Jokhang Temple

Pilgrims from around the world make the trip to Jokhang Temple, where the blessed Jowo Buddha stands. This four-story structure has bronze covered roofs and sits in the center of Barkhor Square in the historic section of Lhasa. An impressive collection of more than 800 metal sculptures and thousands of painted scrolls is housed in Jokhang, although they are not open to the public.

Ganden Monastery

This quiet monastery, located on a green mountaintop just outside Lhasa, is an ideal destination for outdoor adventurers looking for a touchstone to Buddhism with the backdrop of nature. Scenic hiking trails surround this monastery, and epic views of the picturesque valley are best from the backside of the mountain.

Lhasa is the starting point for many longer tours around Tibet, but it’s also a fascinating destination in its own right. With one day, you can see its highlights, do some souvenir shopping, and even take in a cultural performance. Here’s how. 

Morning: Tour Potala Palace

Potala Palace is a symbol of Lhasa—perhaps even the whole of Tibet—and is a must-visit attraction while in the city. Once the home of the Dalai Lamas, it is now a fascinating museum focused on the country’s culture and history. There is a lot to see here, so take your time. If you’re feeling ill from the altitude—Lhasa is located 11,990 feet (3,656 meters) above sea level—skip Potala Palace, which has many steps and requires a lot of walking, and go straight to the afternoon’s activities.

Afternoon: Visit the Jokhang and Shop for Handicrafts

Jokhang Temple, in the center of Lhasa’s old town, is the holiest temple to Tibetan Buddhists, and cobblestoned Barkhor Square outside is always filled with locals prostrating themselves in prayer. Inside are beautiful statues and paintings, and the roof offers wonderful views of the old-town area and across to Potala Palace. Afterwards exploring the temple, spend some time wandering the bazaars in this central area. Many handicrafts shops sell religious trinkets, such as prayer beads, as well as traditional Tibetan fabrics.

Night: Attend a Traditional Concert

If the day’s activities haven’t left you feeling the effects of the altitude, enjoy an evening performance, such as an opera or music-and-dance show, with a hearty Tibetan meal during or afterwards. These shows, which tend to combine Tibetan and Chinese traditions, are a fun way to experience traditional cultural practices in a comfortable, modern setting.

With three days in Lhasa, you can see top attractions like the iconic Potala Palace at a leisurely pace—which is a good thing, as the fascinating city is perched high at 11,990 feet (3,655 meters). Listen to your body and give yourself time to get used to the conditions. Here are some ideas for your itinerary. 

Day 1: Tour the monasteries

Take it easy on your first day in Lhasa, and visit a couple of monasteries on the outskirts of the city. In the morning, head to the Drepung Monastery, the largest in Tibet and once home to up to 10,000 monks. Look for the colorful paintings on the cliffs above the monastery. In the afternoon, make your way to the Sera Monastery to watch young monks debate Buddhist philosophy in the courtyard—they shout and clap dramatically when their opponent gets something wrong.

Day 2: Visit the Jhokang and explore the old town

In the heart of Lhasa’s old town area, the golden-roofed Jhokang is the holiest temple in Tibet. You’ll likely see crowds of Tibetans prostrating themselves in prayer in Barkhor Square, in front of the temple. Inside, marvel at the beautiful statues and mandalas, then go up to the rooftop and take in sweeping views of the city. In the afternoon, browse the old-town markets for souvenirs and handicrafts.

Day 3: Check out the Potala Palace

Learn about the history and culture of Tibet at one of the most important places in the region—the former home of the Dalai Lamas. Many travelers to Lhasa are in a hurry to see the Potala Palace; however, it’s best to visit after you’ve been in town for a couple of days and your body has begun adjusting to the altitude. Getting into the palace requires climbing a lot of steps, but the exertion is worth it for the views from the top. Inside, the prayer halls, monks’ chambers, and meditation rooms are dark, atmospheric, and extensive. If you have time, return to the palace at night, when it’s lit up.

With two days in the fascinating city of Lhasa, you’ll have enough time to take things easy on day one to acclimatize to the elevation—Lhasa is at 11,990 feet (3,656 meters) above sea level—but still take in many of the city’s highlights at a leisurely pace. Here’s how to get the most out of 48 hours in Lhasa.

Day 1: Visit Monasteries Around Lhasa

Morning: In the morning, head to the Drepung Monastery, the largest monastery in Tibet, just outside Lhasa. It’s a large complex with lots to see, but not so big that you’ll get worn out on your first day at high altitude. The colorful paintings on the cliffs above the monastery are a highlight.

Afternoon: This afternoon, visit Sera Monastery, a famous university monastery where young monks energetically debate Buddhist philosophy in the courtyard. Those interested in local culture or religion should be sure to catch a debate, which are open to the public and usually take place midafternoon.

Night: Indulge in some local culture this evening, with a traditional operatic or musical show combined with a hearty Tibetan meal. Combining elements of Tibetan and Chinese traditions, these performances are a fun way to experience traditional cultural practices.

Day 2: Lhasa’s Holiest Sites

Morning: Chances are, by day two you will be more ready for some physical activity. This morning, visit Potala Palace, Lhasa’s iconic 7th-century palace that was once the home of the Dalai Lamas. The huge, whitewashed stone building is impressive from the outside, plus there’s a lot to see inside, too.

Afternoon: Centrally located in the center of the old-town area, Jokhang Temple is the holiest temple in Tibet, and worshippers flock to the temple to prostrate themselves in prayer. Spend this afternoon perusing the temple’s impressive Buddhist statues and mandalas and taking in the wonderful views of Lhasa from its rooftop.

Night: Potala Palace is beautifully lit up at night, so take a stroll here on your final evening. Enjoy a relaxed meal afterwards, with Tibetan and mainstream Chinese cuisine available all over the city. Momos (steamed dumplings) and thukpa (noodle soup) are a delicious and warming way to round off your visit.